From the Forums: Share apps between users, charging pads gimmicky?

Welcome to another Windows Phone Central edition of From the Forums, where we bring you the latest threads from our community forums. If you haven't already checked our popular boards, we strongly urge you to do so - whether you're a potential Windows Phone enthusiast or an established power user.

First up is a user poll by pjeung that asks the question: "How is your Lumia 920 protected?" The Lumia 920 is a powerhouse that's built by the company best known for mobile phones that can withstand an explosion. That said, no smartphone is indestructible - as was proven in tests that pushed the Lumia 920 to its breaking point.

"I have owned all of the poly unibodies Nokia has released other than Lumia 900 (N9, Lumia 800 and Lumia 920) and non of have even a mark on the body of the phone. Imo if you want protection for your Lumia 920 you could get screen protector, but other than that i can't really find a reason to buy case."

So how's your Lumia 920 (or other Windows Phone) protected? Be sure to head on over to the thread to vote and add your thoughts / experiences.

Sharing apps between users

A debate has kicked off surrounding app sharing between users. Windows Phone Central user rdubmu asks if it's possible for apps to be shared between family members in a household on different Microsoft Accounts (or a new family account). Would developers believe this to be a good idea?

"There has to be a way of implementing family accounts for Microsoft/iOS/whatever so family's dont end up paying repeatedly for the same stuff, or at least get a discount on bulk purchase."

Should owners be able to use apps they don't pay for because a single purchase has been made? What limitations and restrictions could be enforced if such tersm were allowing the practice to take place? Add your thoughts in the "Sharing Apps between two accounts" thread.

Miscellaneous: Charging pads gimmicky?

Nokia first introduced wireless charging in Windows Phone with its latest Lumia Windows Phone 8 line of smartphones. Such functionality enables consumers to use Qi standard wireless charging docks and stations to charge up the battery instead of using the traditional cable. It solves the need to continue plugging the device into the wall or PC.

But is it a gimmick, or is wireless charging a thing of the future? Windows Phone Central user navbouy explains experience with the Lumia 920:

"When I first received the pad i thought it was just a bit gimmicky,how wrong can you get. It's only a small thing but being able to place your phone down and power it up has made life just simpler no more faffing about plugging it in. It's sometimes the small things that make your day."

Many who have purchased a Lumia 920 or Lumia 820 have received free wireless chargers. If you've got one with your Windows Phone, do you use it? If so, what do you make of the functionality? Head on over to the "Charging pad,not just a gimmick" thread to add your thoughts.

Some of the UK debit cards can be a bit weird. I can't remember which ones, but sometimes they had issues paying online unless the gateway was specifically setup to handle it (even though other ones worked)

you also have mastercard debit card, which are basically credit cards with very short term credit. If you use maestro or cirrus payment system and check your bank account 2 seconds later the money will have been deducted. if you use mastercard debit card it will probably only be deducted that evening or the following day.

A debit card is allowed only if payments made with it can be processed as a credit card (without using the PIN) and if the bank allows the transaction with the merchant's card processing service. I have run across some online merchants where my non-bank credit card won't work, but my debit card (used as a credit card) does.

There was already discussion of this on the front page headlines this week... it's NOT a good idea and doesn't actually work. You're either full of crap or risking the phone's stability. Either way, I discourage EVERYONE from taking the advice of using the Palm touchstone.

I can't find any wireless charging pads where I am in Canada. Beyond that, the Nokia wireless charging devices aren't available to buy locally or even to get shipped up here. I guess I'll be waiting for a long time...

I have the free charging pad and I bought the stand up charging pad with NFC. They are the best ever, it really is nice just laying the phone down or standing it up without having to plug it in every time.

Regarding protecting my phone -- no case, it's au naturale all the time. I can see using a thin gel-case to protect outer body scratches, but only if you're super reckless with your phone.

Regarding charging pads as a gimmick -- no way. I keep my phone on my desk at work and grab it on the go. Plugging a cable slows me down, and as an IT guy for a hospital, that's just not an option. Charging pad is fantastic, because I set it down on the pad at my desk and can grab and go when I need to. If I have one criticism, it's why didn't they use a micro-USB cable for the power instead of the custom power cable.

Sharing apps is a good idea... just like sharing music across devices/accounts for Zune Pass has always been. Makes sense to me for families and would be yet another selling-point for Microsoft.

I'd say what Microsoft needs is something like a Family Pass. You pay double per month or download, but it's good on say 3 - 5 accounts you link. I know consumers want the big savings, so do I, but as a developer, you gotta feed yourself too.

Who thinks Nokia should talk to ford and put wireless charging right in there cars. Stupid apple got together with Gm. I think Nokia should get together with ford sounds like a great idea to me. And I did not get my wireless chargers yet still waiting on my wife's yellow 920 been waiting since Nov 14th she's anxious. Don't blame her. Love my red 920.

Wireless charger is amazing. Everyone I talk to who has one doesn't miss the loose power cable that falls off the desk and onto the floor!
The Lumia wireless charging charges 85% as efficiently as the supplied wall USB charger.
The average/typical power transfer for other Qi phones is only 70% as fast/efficient!
Thank you Nokia for quadrupling(?) the surface area of the phones charging surface! :)

Charging pad is baller and saves me time every day. It may be minute regarding the vastness of the time saved, but the idea of simply setting my phone down on my desk and getting to work without even thinking about battery life is great, and if I receive a call and need to pickup, no hassle there either. Wireless charging is definitely the future.

Addicted to wireless charging since Day-1 of the Palm Touchstone. Not sure why anyone would suggest it's gimmicky. Not sure why anyone would not want it. BTW none of the Palm Touchstones work with any of these Windows Phones (different frequency) so just put that idea to bed and move on.

I have 5 WP registered on same live id for apps. Post that all other accounts are family members owns. Helps in keeping things central like purchases, camera rolls, contacts. Rest Facebook etc are separate. Easy n useful.

I find the best thing about the charging pad is the ability to take up your phone without needing to think about the attached cable. I've also modded it into the table. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8RzO7Xzglk

Wish the rep who sold me my phone would have known to give me an option on the color... I got a free black one, which is perfectly fine, but I can't help thinking my white phone 920 would look great on a white charge pad. :/

Charging pads are the future, for anyone here that drives just imagine having that in the car, bloody superb! no more wires just sit down your phone in the normal area as per usual and you could stream your music and charge at the same time! perfection!

I've used a hp Veer before I got a Lumia 800 and hell how I miss the good ol' Touchstone... I'm a little disappointed that the new charging pads don't seem to have magnets that automatically align the phone and hold it in place though.